Post #7049
Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing diva, Pink Tutu Sparkles, reporting live from the lovely city of Carlisle!
Oh my, this trip has been a dream! I've always been a sucker for a good train journey, and this one was no exception. The carriages were plush and spacious, perfect for me to indulge in my favourite travel pastime: a little bit of fashion browsing in my trusty "What to Wear When You're Going To Carlisle" magazine! It's always fascinating to see what new trends are popping up in different parts of the country, you know? After all, the world of fashion is ever-changing!
I did, of course, pack my trusty pink tutu, my trusty feather boa, and a dazzling array of glitter. Carlisle was definitely calling for a splash of sparkle!
The city itself was a delight. I arrived at the station, resplendent in a soft pink tutu and a cherry-blossom pink cardigan. My darling carriage had just rolled in from Keswick. The train driver had told me earlier on about a very famous Carlisle bakery called "Cumberland's Delight", which I simply had to check out, I just had to have a sample!
First things first: shopping! The market was a delightful experience! I absolutely adore delving into local treasures. Every nook and cranny had its own unique charm, especially when looking at a market like this one! The fresh, local produce! Oh my, how delightful! It just inspired me so much!
Carlisle is really getting a big thumbs up from me! It's brimming with friendly faces, charming architecture and shops like no other. There are so many lovely independents stores full of treasures.
Tutu Time!
Of course, no trip for this pink-tutu loving diva would be complete without a spot of dance. Carlisle has an amazing ballet school, which just so happened to be holding an open day while I was there! What a delightful coincidence! I couldn’t resist grabbing a tutu and taking part in the beginners class. Let me tell you, my darling, these dancers were amazing. I could see real potential! After I was finished, I headed straight for the "Dance With Me" competition I must say, those ballerinas were really something. They twirled, leaped and arabesqued with an air of sheer joy. They reminded me so much of the ballet school I attended when I was studying for my Science Degree - such fun! That's where it all began, you know. One afternoon in a tutu for charity, and then, boom! My pink tutu obsession started. Of course, when I started the course at the University I had no idea this passion would blossom and blossom, that is, of course, until I had to dress as a sparkly mermaid!
Fashion Fun
After my morning ballet-athon, it was time to turn my attention to fashion. A vintage boutique caught my eye with its dazzling window display, a sea of shimmering sequins, bold prints, and vibrant colours! And how could I resist a trip to Carlisle's largest department store, Carlisle "Dazzle & Shine" department store. They have amazing range of fashion brands - a true paradise for a pink tutu loving diva. Let’s just say I ended up with quite a shopping haul! You simply must come and visit, and do try "Dazzle & Shine" department store. It really was the place to be and the biggest department store I had ever seen. They even had "The Dancing Tutus" exhibition – a collection of beautiful ballet dresses worn by dancers from around the world - I’m hoping it might be visiting our hometown of Derby, in the near future!
An Evening of Sparkle
As the sun began to set, it was time to get ready for my evening performance. A fabulous drag queen never rests, especially one who can boast her very own pink tutu! I met a fab group of dancers who had the cutest dog dressed in a tutu - so lovely!
For this evening’s show I'd decided to go with a vintage glamour theme. This meant lots of sparkle, shimmering silks, and my trusty feather boa, of course. A full length, vibrant magenta tutu matched a feather boa the colour of the sunset! Oh, it was pure perfection.
The Carlisle crowd were amazing! They were so up for a night of fabulous fun. The place was absolutely packed! A huge dance floor, a raised stage, a packed bar, what else could I ask for. Every person was clapping to the music! It was a dream to perform in such a beautiful space, it just got everyone in the mood.
My show was full of dazzling moves, fierce faces and fabulous tunes, all designed to bring the house down and inspire a bit of pink-tutu loving magic in everyone!
One lady even came to the stage, and grabbed the microphones – oh my did we have a right old laugh - this lovely woman told me that it was her 50th Birthday – the audience were really pleased for her.
One audience member even said: “It was a joy, to watch your grace! ” How sweet is that - It's amazing how one little tutu can inspire so many people - one little pink tutu – my heart simply melted! The other great moment happened during a show stop, the whole audience sang along in harmony with the music I chose and sang along to the track! It was a true testament to the power of music.
You must visit this wonderful city! From the market to the ballet to the theatre, it's bursting with charm. The nightlife in this area of Cumbria, it’s a joy for everyone - And as if all this wasn’t enough - I decided to have a day exploring nearby locations. A nice long drive through the country and a visit to Carlisle Cathedral. They really don’t half do beautiful Cathedrals up here! A truly stunning masterpiece! The architecture alone could rival some of the finest Parisian cathedrals.
But my favourite part of this adventure? It’s definitely got to be meeting you - you lovely people I met at Carlisle! Every single person I spoke to was just as kind and lovely as the next.
My lovely pink tutu fans, you truly inspire me! I hope I'm spreading a bit of sparkle and joy wherever I go!
Until next time, my dears, stay fabulous and don't forget: a pink tutu a day keeps the frownies away!
